Rate My Professor William Hoese

William J. Hoese, Ph.D., serves as a Professor of Biological Science at California State University, Fullerton, a position he has held since 2000. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in human biology and master’s degree in biology from Stanford University, and his Ph.D. in zoology from Duke University. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Hoese directs the Southern California Ecosystems Research Program (SCERP), where his laboratory investigates the effects of disturbances—both anthropogenic and natural—on ecological communities and animal communication. Current projects include studies on how noise pollution influences song sparrow communication near highways and how sound transmission changes in burned versus unburned chaparral following wildfires. His research has involved numerous undergraduate scholars, such as Carrie De Jesus, Elaine Ramos, Maria de Lourdes Vega Velez, and Austin Xu.

Hoese is celebrated for his transformative approach to biology education and exceptional mentorship, particularly of underrepresented and first-generation college students. He was honored with the 2023 California State University Wang Family Excellence Award for Outstanding Faculty Innovator for Student Success, the 2021 California State University, Fullerton Outstanding Professor award, the 2017 Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Outstanding College/University Mentor Award, the 2015 Carol Barnes Excellence in Teaching Award, and multiple Outstanding Teacher Awards. Hoese has pioneered several student success programs, including co-founding the Biology Undergraduate Research Training (BURST) program, developing the Freshman Summer Bridge Research Experience—which has become a national model—and leading SCERP, a two-year grant-funded research initiative. As principal or co-principal investigator, he has obtained over $1.5 million from the National Science Foundation to study the impact of teaching methods on student outcomes, resulting in four publications on pedagogy. His courses feature immersive field experiences, such as semesterly overnight trips to the Mojave Desert for over 300 students, fostering active learning, critical thinking, and community. Hoese delivered the 2021 Outstanding Professor Lecture on "Transformative Experiences in Ecology and Environmental Biology." Through his efforts, he has mentored hundreds of students, with more than 50 SCERP alumni entering science careers or science teaching.